Illustrated London News, Saturday, 1 April 1865

NOTABLE DEBUTANTE TO MAKE FIRST ROYAL COURT APPEARANCE

On Thursday, the queen will journey from Windsor to Buckingham Palace to host her fourth Reception of the London Season, at which select gathering a number of young ladies making their debut will be presented. Her Majesty will be accompanied by the Princesses Helena and Louise, and ably assisted by His Royal Highness, the Prince of Wales.

One of this year’s most notable debutantes will make her first formal appearance at this Reception. The Titian-haired Lady Margaret Montagu Douglas Scott is the second daughter of the Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, one of the most eminent peers in the land, formerly Lord Privy Seal and currently Gold Stick for Scotland. Lady Margaret, who has been hailed as a “breath of fresh Scotch air,” will be accompanied by her mother, the Duchess of Buccleuch, daughter of the Second Marquess of Bath, and former Mistress of the queen’s Robes.

Readers are advised to avoid the vicinity of Buckingham Palace on Thursday if their business permits them to do so, as severe congestion of all approaches is anticipated. A strict code of dress is enforced for this most formal and exclusive occasion. Those wishing to admire the toilettes of the ladies will be able to peruse them at their leisure in next Saturday’s edition which will contain as many lavish illustrations as can be accommodated between these pages.